DECEMBER 22, 2000

Ferrari deny reports of Michelin switch

FERRARI on Friday denied reports that they will switch to Michelin tires in 2002, after Italian newspaper reports suggested a deal had been completed.

Italian daily newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Ferrari would end their association with Japanese tire supplier Bridgestone at the end of the 2001 championship and switch to Michelin.

But Ferrari denied they will run on Michelin tires from 2002 and beyond and said they had not signed a deal to link up with the French supplier.

"Ferrari firmly denies that it has reached any kind of agreement with a well known French tire manufacturer concerning a supply contract for the 2002 Formula One World Championship season and beyond," a Ferrari statement read.

"The story is not based on any fact and it will not in any way influence our excellent technical and sporting partnership with Bridgestone, with whom we have won three world championships in the past two years."